If you work in an office and have frequent back or neck pain, the two things could be more closely related than you think. It can be challenging to maintain good posture while sitting at a desk eight or more hours per day or frequently looking at other electronic devices. However, standing can be equally hard on your back and neck. To prevent fatigue and pain, try to change positions, stretch or take a walk when you can.
Repetitive Motion Can Cause Chronic Pain
Poor posture leads to several other problems on the job, including repetitive motion injuries. When you’re not sitting properly, it can result in pain in areas of the body that you use repeatedly to complete your job. Typing on a keyboard, frequently turning your head or reaching above your head to grab papers can all lead to lasting pain.
Pain from Muscle Imbalance
Many office workers sit in their chair with their upper body leaning forward, causing the chest muscles, middle back and upper arm muscles to become overactive. You may catch yourself often with rounded shoulders and your head and neck stretched out much further than the rest of your body. The most common result of this type of posture is pain and tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Consider the Setup of Your Desk
Another leading cause of neck and shoulder pain is that many people look down to see text on a computer screen or smartphone. Doing this for long periods of time doubles the strain on your head and neck. The best way to solve this dilemma is to raise your computer screen so it’s eye level. If that isn’t possible, place a thick book under the monitor to increase its height to meet your gaze.
Your office chair could also be a big contributor to your chronic neck and back pain. You will place considerable stress on your body if the chair is too tall or too short in relation to your height. That is because it will force you to slouch or to look down all day. The back of your office chair should be even with your neck and head so you feel supported. You should also feel comfortable when you lean back in your chair.
The Impact of Stress
Stress is a significant cause of pain throughout the body, but no job is entirely stress-free. Getting up to stretch or take a walk, engaging in hobbies outside of work and getting an occasional massage can all help to relieve the impact of stress on your body. If you continue to struggle with back and neck pain after trying some of these methods, contact Capital City Neurosurgery to learn about other alternatives for pain management.